Coaching staff believe Van Gaal will stay

Louis van Gaal’s coaching staff believe that he will still be at Manchester United next season, despite the constant speculation that José Mourinho will be taking over at Old Trafford.

This is according to The Mirror, who say that they are ‘confident’ that the Dutchman will still be the United manager at the start of next season, even if the Reds miss out on Champions League qualification.

The report also states that Van Gaal keeps his coaching staff informed about his conversations with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and the Glazers, and the message coming from him is that he will be at the club next season – with summer transfer moves already being planned out.

Van Gaal’s future at United is still very much up in the air, with the Reds currently struggling to clinch a top-four place in the Premier League and, therefore, gaining that vital Champions League spot. They are three points behind Manchester City in fourth at the moment, but the Citizens have a game in hand.

However, the lack of viable candidates, along with the United’s board clear division over whether to hire Mourinho despite his controversial style of management, may yet see Van Gaal keep his job for next season.

United face a crucial week ahead, with the first leg of their Europa League tie against Liverpool on Thursday, before welcoming West Ham to Old Trafford for an FA Cup encounter.